This is an old read - but still funny and even now is, unfortunately, still sometimes true.
This has got to be one of the funniest things I have ever heard about how some people mis-understand what a computer really is and what it can actually do. From the description of the technology involved ("C:/ prompt") it probably occurred in the early to mid 1990s'
However, If it is true, the customer service representative should have been promoted, not fired.
This is purportedly a real phone call, received at the WordPerfect Help Line, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department calls. Needless to say the Help desk employee was fired; however, he/she did sue the WordPerfect organization for "Termination without Cause."
(NOTE: We do not know what - if any - final outcome or settlement actually transpired. If you know - please post an entry / response to this article and let everyone know)
This is supposed to be the actual dialogue of the caller and the 'former' WordPerfect Customer Support employee. Now you know why they record these conversations!
ENJOY !!
"Ridge Hall computer assistance; may I help you?"
"Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect."
"What sort of trouble?"
"Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away."
"Went away?"
"They disappeared."
"Hmm -----. So what does your screen look like now?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing?"
"It's blank. It won't accept anything when I type."
"Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out?"
"How do I tell?"
"Can you see the C: prompt on the screen?"
"What's a sea-prompt?"
"Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?"
"There isn't any cursor; I told you, it won't accept anything I type."
"Does your monitor have a power indicator?"
"What's a monitor?"
"It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on? "
"I don't know."
"Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that?"
"Yes, I think so."
"Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall."
"Yes, it is."
"When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one?"
"No."
"Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable."
"Okay, here it is."
"Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer."
"I can't reach."
"Uh huh. Well , can you see if it is?"
"No."
"Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?"
"Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle--it's because it's dark."
"Dark?"
"Yes, the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window."
"Well, turn on the office light then."
"I can't."
"No? Why not?"
"Because there's a power failure."
"A power... A power failure? Aha, okay, we've got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and
manuals and packing stuff your computer came in?"
"Well, yes, I keep them in the closet."
"Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from."
"Really? Is it that bad?"
"Yes, I'm afraid it is."
"Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?"
"Tell them you're too damn stupid to own a computer."